Unwanted Polyps in Zoa Colony

[blackcows]

I have a couple of really nice zoa colonies going in my tank and within those colonies a couple of larger plain colored polyps have come up, maybe palys? About twice the size of the zoas and a bit taller. Should I worry that they may take over my colonies? Any way to get rid of them?

Mike

 

[rogersb]

I would cut them out with a razor or knife. Palys tend to be invasive and shade out zoas IME.

 

[blackcows]

I would cut them out with a razor or knife. Palys tend to be invasive and shade out zoas IME.

Do I have to get them cleaned up all the was to the rock or just cut out the best I can?

 

[mayjong]

cut out as much as possible, then hopefully the zoas will crowd them out.
might take a few trys...
you could also cover the single unwanted heads with kalk paste

 

[A. Grandis]

I have a couple of really nice zoa colonies going in my tank and within those colonies a couple of larger plain colored polyps have come up, maybe palys? About twice the size of the zoas and a bit taller. Should I worry that they may take over my colonies? Any way to get rid of them?

Mike

By your description, I believe that Protopalythoa = "palys" in this case.
Those are normally greenish/brown with finer elongated skirts.

A picture would be great!

When there is Protopalythoas among Zoanthus, the Protopalythoas will sometimes, depending on the species involved, sting the Zoanthus. Removing only the heads of the Protopalythoas won't work. They have to be completely removed from the rocks. If you leave just a bit that will grow to an adult Protopalythoa. Try to use a sharp knife that would go between the polyps. Razor blades won't do a great job.

Grandis.